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from Past and Present of Mahaska County, Iowa by Manoah Hedge The S. J. Clarke Publishing Co. 1906
A. N. Caldwell is numbered among the early settlers of Mahaska county, having for many years lived within its borders, watching its growth and development as changes have occurred showing the advance of civilization. He now follows the occupation of farming and in fact has made this pursuit his life work. He was born in Greene county, Tennessee, in 1839, a son of Thomas F. and Sarah (White) CaIdwell, who were also natives of the south, the father following the occupation of farming in Tennessee. The son is indebted to the public-school system of his native state for the educational privileges which he enjoyed in early life. He gave his attention to the mastery of the common branches of learning and during much of the time he attended school only through the winter months, his services being needed upon the home farm during the summer seasons. He left Tennessee when twelve years of age, becoming a resident of Mahaska county, Iowa. He attended school no longer after attaining his majority. He was the eldest of a family of eight children and was but fifteen years of age at the time of his father's death. He thus had to take the father's place in the family in the management of the work and providing for his younger brothers and sisters. Thomas F. Caldwell had just secured a claim of one hundred and sixty acres of land and was building thereon a house at the time of his demise. Mr. CaIdwell of this review at once assumed the duties and responsibilities of carrying on the farm and improving the fields and throughout his entire life he has engaged in farming. He has for many years lived in this county, witnessing the greater part of its agricultural development, and the home property which he owns in Lincoln and White Oak townships stands as a monument to his enterprise and labor, indicating his careful supervision and diligence in its excellent appearance. In September, Mr. Caldwell was united in marriage to Miss Catherine Stump and unto them have been born five sons: Charles C., Earl S., Fred B., Warren A. and R. W. Caldwell. The eldest son is now married and lives in Mahaska county, where he follows farming. Earl CaIdwell is also married and is a resident farmer of this county. In his political views Mr. Caldwell has been a stalwart republican since the organization of the party, casting his ballot for each of its presidential nominees. Elected as a member of the board of county supervisors, he entered upon the duties of the office on the 1st of Januar, 1881, and served continuously in that Capacity for six years. He has for thirty years been a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian church and life has been in harmony with its principles and teachings. He has been straightforward in his business dealings, never being known to take advantage of the necessities of his fellowmen in any trade transaction and his life record is that of a self-made man, for from an early age he has been dependent upon his own resources. He has worked persistently and energetically as the years have gone by and his history proves the force of industry, economy and capable management in winning success.
Past and Present of Mahaska County, Iowa
Mahaska County, Iowa Genealogy